of the Imperial Opera--"this gentleman is just a little
bit in front of you. You say within three days. Signor Corsini will
tell you that the great _coup_ of Zouroff and his friends is planned
for to-night at the Winter Palace. Speak, Signor, and tell the Baron
something of what you have already told us."

Golitzine's heavy brows expressed displeasure. After his long journey,
doubly trying to a man of his age, Salmoros need not have his own
protege flung in his face as it were. The situation could have been
dealt with in a more diplomatic manner.

But Salmoros, man of the world and philosopher as he was, did not
indicate by a flickering of the eyelid that he took the slightest
notice of these small pinpricks, delivered by a maladroit, but not
hostile hand.

He looked kindly at the young man. "Please repeat what you have
already told to this illustrious assembly. If the pupil has beaten his
master, it will be proof to me that my judgment of men seldom fails."

He paused and bowed profoundly to the Emperor, who was just beginning
to entertain an uneasy idea that he might have employed more
diplomatic language.

"I am an old man, Sire, and perhaps my brain does not work quite so
rapidly as it used. But you will kindly remember that I have several
important interests at stake, besides watching over the destinies of
Empires in a state of disturbance, such as seems afflicting your
kingdom at the present moment. For many years, as you know, I have
lived in free and prosperous England. We don't have any of those
troubles in that well-governed and tranquil country."

The Emperor reddened under the mild rebuke, delivered in the most
passionless tones. Golitzine hastened to pour oil on the troubled
waters. The two Generals, men of action, of no subtlety of thought,
had not noticed that the waters were troubled at all.

The Count addressed himself directly to Corsini.

"You were only embarking upon your narrative which the fortunate
advent of the Baron cut short for a few moments. Will you kindly
proceed? Our good friend will then realise how you have been aided by
a most fortunate conjunction of circumstances."

Nello proceeded with his narrative, but of course, he had to repeat
portions of it, to bring Salmoros into line with the others.

He finished up with the pregnant words: "The attempt is to be made
to-night at the Winter Palace at the big reception, the _bal-masque_."
He turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty is t